Synchronization of distributed simulation nodes by keeping timestep schedulers in lockstep

Abstract

A distributed simulation system includes a plurality of nodes. Each node is configured to simulate a portion of a system under test. The simulation is performed as a series of timesteps. The transition between timesteps is synchronized in the plurality of nodes. In one implementation, the distributed simulation system includes a hub which is configured to synchronize the transition between timesteps in the plurality of nodes. For example, in one embodiment, the hub may receive commands from each of the plurality of nodes. If each command indicates that the corresponding node is capable of completing the timestep, the hub transmits a command to each node indicating that the timestep is complete. The nodes may begin processing the next timestep in response to the command. In other embodiments, a hub may not be included.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention is related to the field of distributed simulation systems.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Generally, the development of components for an electronic system such as a computer system includes simulation of models of the components. In the simulation, the specified functions of each component may be tested and, when incorrect operation (a bug) is detected, the model of the component may be changed to generate correct operation. Once simulation testing is complete, the model may be fabricated to produce the corresponding component. Since many of the bugs may have been detected in simulation, the component may be more likely to operate as specified and the number of revisions to hardware may be reduced. The models are frequently described in a hardware description language (HDL) such as Verilog, VHDL, etc. The HDL model may be simulated in a simulator designed for the HDL, and may also be synthes...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a system for simulating a complex system using multiple computers. These computers work together to create a synchronized simulation, where each computer takes a turn to simulate a portion of the system. This is done by a central computer that sends instructions to each computer and receives confirmation that the previous step is complete. This system allows for more complex and realistic simulations to be performed."

Problems solved by technology

However, as the electronic systems (and the components forming systems) have grown larger and more complex, single-system simulation has become less desirable.

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